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Former Springfield finance officer indicted for embezzlement

SPRINGFIELD—Springfield's former finance officer was charged last week with embezzling thousands of dollars in 2018.

The indictment filed against 39-year-old Ashlea Pruss last Thursday alleges that between Oct. 1 and Nov. 19, 2018, Pruss stole between $5,000 and $100,000.01. She is charged with grand theft by embezzlement, a Class 4 felony.

Court documents do not state exactly how much money Pruss, who was also a member of the Springfield Ambulance Department at the time of the alleged embezzlement, is accused of taking. Bon Homme County State's Attorney Lisa Rothschadl did not respond to The Daily Republic's request Tuesday for additional details on the case.

A warrant for Pruss' arrest was filed on Monday. If she is convicted of the charge pending against her, she could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay up to a $20,000 fine.

Members of Springfield's city government did not respond for comment on the case prior to The Daily Republic's deadlines Tuesday.